Meaning of "Swimmer King" by Paper Rival

"Swimmer King" by Paper Rival explores the feeling of helplessness when witnessing someone else's struggles. The imagery of "swimming in a trash heap" and "reading in a different language" emphasizes the difficulty and discomfort of trying to understand and connect with someone who is in a challenging situation. The repetition of the line "they're drowning all the same" highlights the inevitability of pain and suffering in life, despite individual efforts to stay afloat. The reference to the "circus" and "water tank" suggests a performance or spectacle, where the swimmer is the center of attention but ultimately still struggles. The message of feeling disconnected and isolated, only hearing oneself when submerged, speaks to the isolating nature of watching others struggle without being able to intervene.

Overall, "Swimmer King" delves into the complex emotions of empathy, powerlessness, and the harsh realities of life. The lyrics prompt reflection on the limitations of human connection and the inherent struggles that everyone faces, even when they seem to be performing at their best.